Leonardo Academy filed this request with the KDEP as part of KDEP’s public hearing process on the draft rules for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions, a pollutant that causes ground level ozone. These rules are being prepared in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirement that Kentucky and 22 other states prepare and implement nitrogen oxide emission reduction plans. In crafting these rules, the KDEP is deciding how it will give away 1.5 to 4 billion dollars worth of allowances for nitrogen oxide emissions.

The U.S. EPA has issued guidance that allows KDEP to include rewards for emission reductions delivered by energy efficiency and renewable energy in nitrogen oxide emission reduction programs, but it is up to the KDEP to include these rewards in Kentucky’s rules.

Leonardo Academy asked the environmental protection agencies in all 50 states, including the KDEP, to incorporate the Cleaner and Greener Principles into all future pollution reduction programs. These principles (1) reward all building owners for emission reductions delivered by energy efficiency and renewable energy, (2) reduce the cost of pollution reduction programs, and (3) increase the environmental benefits of pollution reduction programs.

Providing rewards for all building owners and others that implement energy efficiency or renewable energy projects will create an additional revenue stream for schools, local and state government, businesses, and other building owners. Building owners can use this additional revenue stream to further support the building upgrades they need to better carry out their respective missions.

The Cleaner and Greener Principles for Pollution Reduction Programs are corporately supported by Johnson Controls, Philips Lighting, Trane, Quad/Graphics, and Kinko’s.